GB2571962A

GB2571962A - Alarm system, sprinkler system and methods thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2571962A
Application number: GB1804086.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Johnson Greg
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-03-14
Filing date: 2018-03-14
Publication date: 2019-09-18
Also published as: WO2019175593A2; GB201804086D0; WO2019175593A3

Abstract

An alarm system is provided for protecting a series of housing units 103, such as those in a high rise or apartment block 100. The system comprises at least one alarm unit 121 located within each housing unit 103, each alarm unit 121 being configured to supply an alarm signal upon detection of fire and/or smoke within its respective housing unit 103. A central control unit 123 is communicatively coupled to each alarm unit 121 and is configured to shut off a supply of gas 110 to the housing units 103 upon receipt of an alarm signal from one or more of the alarms units 121, in order to minimise the risk of ignition of the gas supply. The gas supply 110 may be cut off by closing a solenoid valve 115 in the gas supply line. Preferably closure of the gas supply only takes place upon receipt of two or more signals at the central unit 123. In other aspects, a sprinkler system is provided for use in a housing unit, and a method of assembly thereof.

Description

(57) An alarm system is provided for protecting a series of housing units 103, such as those in a high rise or apartment block 100. The system comprises at least one alarm unit 121 located within each housing unit 103, each alarm unit 121 being configured to supply an alarm signal upon detection of fire and/or smoke within its respective housing unit 103. A central control unit 123 is communicatively coupled to each alarm unit 121 and is configured to shut off a supply of gas 110 to the housing units 103 upon receipt of an alarm signal from one or more of the alarms units 121, in order to minimise the risk of ignition of the gas supply. The gas supply 110 may be cut off by closing a solenoid valve 115 in the gas supply line. Preferably closure of the gas supply only takes place upon receipt of two or more signals at the central unit 123. In other aspects, a sprinkler system is provided for use in a housing unit, and a method of assembly thereof.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Figure 1b

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Figure 2a

Figure 2b

ALARM SYSTEM, SPRINKLER SYSTEM AND METHODS THEREOF

Field

The present invention relates to fire safety systems and methods, more specifically an alarm and sprinkler system for housing units and related methods of use and installation.

Background

High rise housing units, often called apartment blocks or blocks of flats, provide an important source of housing stock in most developed and developing countries. However, in the aftermath of the Grenfell fire tragedy, questions arose around the lack of sophistication of the fire/smoke alarm systems and the lack of sprinkler systems. It is clear that a coordinated fire and smoke alarm system could have saved lives.

Similarly, the lack of sprinkler systems in such blocks of housing units is typically a cost saving choice for the developer. Again, the presence of sprinklers may have saved lives, if present, within Grenfell tower.

In light of the above, there exists a need for an alarm system that actively monitors and helps to mitigate the spread of an existing fire. Similarly, there exists a need for a lower cost sprinkler system that is potentially suited for installation by a layperson. Finally, a system that combines these aspects would be desirable. At least mitigating these existing issues is an aim of the present invention.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an alarm system for protecting a series of housing units, said system comprising: a unit alarm located within each housing unit, each unit alarm configured to activate to supply a unit alarm signal on detection of fire and/or smoke within its housing unit; a central control unit communicatively coupled to each unit alarm; wherein the central control unit is configured to shut-off a supply of gas to the housing units upon receipt of a unit alarm signal from one or more of said unit alarms.

The first aspect provides a coordinated alarm system that is suited to a collection of housing units such as an apartment block or block of flats. By isolating the housing units from an incoming supply of gas the risk of any fire spreading between housing units is reduced. Furthermore the risk of gas explosion is greatly reduced.

The alarm system may further comprise a series of communal alarms for detecting fire and/or smoke within communal areas, wherein each communal alarm is communicatively coupled to each unit alarm, and each communal alarm is communicatively coupled to the central control unit. The use of communal alarms may allow differing signals to be issued to whole floors or groups of unit alarms.

Each communal alarm may be configured to activate to transmit a communal alarm signal to the central control unit upon detecting the presence of fire and/or smoke. The communal alarm signal may be treated by the central control unit as a unit alarm signal. Such a system may allow the central control unit to issue a single alarm signal to all connected communal and unit alarms.

The central control unit may comprise a user interface configured to display relevant information, such as location of a triggered alarm. Other relevant information may include, for example: time the alarm was initially triggered; what triggered the alarm (i.e. heat or smoke); and a localised temperature reading. This information may enable an authorised person (such as the Chief Fire Officer) to determine the severity of the potential hazard.

The central control unit may be further configured to transmit a command to each unit alarm on input from an authorised user, and each unit alarm may be configured to transmit the unit alarm signal on receipt of the command from the central control unit.

The user interface and relevant information being displayed will aid the authorised user in making a decision as to the severity of the potential hazard. This also complies with the London Fire Brigade “stay put” policy - occupants of a housing block are advised to stay inside unless otherwise informed. This prevents residents unnecessarily being placed in danger. The occupants are able to “stay put” unless the alarm is sounded by the central control unit.

Each communal alarm may be configured to further transmit the communal alarm signal to each unit alarm on detection of fire and/or smoke, and each unit alarm may be configured to sound an alert to an occupant or the housing unit upon receipt of the communal alarm signal from said communal alarms.

The central control unit may be configured to shut-off the supply of gas only upon receipt of two or more signals. The signals may be from either the communal alarms or the unit alarms.

One advantage of this system is that the gas supply is not shut off for minor events, such as an occupant burning food. This prevents regularly inconveniences to both occupants and the fire brigade. If the smoke spreads (i.e. more than one alarm is triggered), this indicates a more serious risk of a fire and the gas supply can be shut off.

The same principle can be applied to automatic evacuation procedures. If the fire is spreading quickly (i.e. two or more alarms are triggered in a short space of time), it may not be sensible for the occupants to “stay put” and wait for an authorised person to order and evacuation. In this situation, the central control unit may be configured to activate all unit alarms to prompt the occupants to evacuate.

The central control unit may be configured to shut-off the supply of gas by closing a solenoid valve in the supply line.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of response to a potential fire in at least one area of a series of housing units, comprising the steps of:

detecting the presence of smoke and/or fire;

transmitting a signal indicating the presence of fire and/or smoke to a central control unit;

displaying the location of the fire and/or smoke on a user display of the central control unit;

closing off a gas supply to the series of housing units; and upon authorisation, sounding an alarm within each housing unit.

It can be appreciated that the optional or preferred features described in relation to the first aspect may be equally applicable to the second aspect.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a sprinkler system for use in a housing unit, comprising: a sprinkler head; domestic gauge piping; and a connector configured to connect with existing domestic plumbing. The sprinkler head and connector are connectable to each end of the domestic gauge piping.

The connector may be a T-shaped connector.

An advantage of the described sprinkler system is that it would be straightforward to assemble and install. As discussed previously, cost is often a deterrent for developers/landlords to provide sufficient safety measures. This sprinkler system can be installed easily and cheaply - potentially even by the occupant.

The sprinkler system may further comprise a communication module configured to be connected and coupled to an alarm system as defined in any previous aspect. Accordingly, the sprinkler system may be configured to activate upon receipt of a signal from the alarm system as described previously.

The sprinkler system may also be configured to activate upon detection of a sufficiently high localised temperature. This may be through the use of a sensor (e.g. thermometer) and trigger, or a mechanical trigger. Examples of a mechanical trigger include a glass bulb filled with liquid alcohol in the sprinkler head. This glass bulb acts as a stopper in the sprinkler head. If the localised temperature is sufficiently high, the pressure inside the bulb will increase sufficiently to cause the bulb to shatter. This allows water to flow out of the sprinkler.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts suitable for assembling the sprinkler system as described previously.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a sprinkler system for use in a housing unit, comprising the steps of:

isolating the water supply of a section of a domestic plumbing system to be adapted;

disconnecting a connector between two sections of piping;

connecting a replacement connector with an additional orifice for receiving an additional section of piping;

coupling the additional section of piping to the replacement connector;

coupling a sprinkler head to the other end of the additional section of piping; and mounting the sprinkler head to a ceiling of the housing unit; and re-connecting the water supply to the adapted system.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a fire protection system for a series of housing units, said system comprising: an alarm system as described in the first aspect; and a sprinkler system as described in the third aspect, wherein the sprinkler system comprises a communication module communicatively coupled to the alarm system; and wherein the central control unit is further configured to activate the sprinkler system in locations where an alarm has detected fire and/or smoke, and/or in locations specified by an authorised user.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described hereinafter.

Brief description of Drawings

Embodiments will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which figure 1 illustrates the schematic layout of a typical apartment block with an example embodiment of the alarm system;

figure 1a illustrates a schematic floor plan of a typical apartment block with an example embodiment of the alarm system;

figure 2a illustrates a schematic of an example embodiment of the sprinkler system; and figure 2b illustrates a photograph of a portion of an assembled sprinkler system.

It should be noted that the Figures are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of these Figures have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size, for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings. The same reference signs are generally used to refer to corresponding or similar feature in modified and different embodiments.

Detailed description of embodiments

Figures 1a and 1b illustrate the layout of a typical apartment block 100 and floor 101. As best shown in Figure 1a, the apartment block 100 comprises multiple floors 101, which in turn comprise communal areas 102 (such as stairwells and/or common lift access areas) and housing units (rooms or apartments) 103. The apartment block 100 has an incoming gas supply 110, supplied from a mains gas supply, which can be closed off with a solenoid valve 115 to isolate the gas supply 110 of the apartment block 100 from the mains gas supply. The apartment block 100 has been fitted with an alarm system 120.

The alarm system 120 comprises a series of unit alarms 121 located within each housing unit 102, a central control unit 123, and a series of communal alarms 122 located within communal areas 102. The central control unit 123 is communicatively coupled to the unit alarms 121 and communal alarms 122 by a central control means 124. Central control means 124 may be a wireless transmitter or communications cable connecting the central control unit 123 to the alarms 121, 122. It can be appreciated that a communications module or other control means may be incorporated within the central control unit as needed. The central control unit 123 is also communicatively coupled to the solenoid valve 115 by a services means 125, such as electronically controlled actuator, or similar means, such that the control unit 123 can shut-off the gas supply 110 upon receipt of an alarm signal from one or more of the alarms 121, 122 or upon authorisation by an authorised user.

As shown in Figure 1b, each communal alarm 122 is communicatively coupled to each unit alarm 121 by a unit control means 126. In the example shown in Figure 1b, a floor 101 of the apartment block 100 comprises 6 rooms 103 arranged around a communal area 102. The communal alarm 122 is typically located within the communal area 102. Each room 103 is fitted with a unit alarm 121 (although it can be appreciated that not all rooms 103 necessarily require a unit alarm). Unit control means 126 may utilise a wireless signal or communications cable to transmit signals to and from the communal alarm 122 and each unit alarm 121.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a portion of the sprinkler system 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2b broadly shows the system 200, which comprises a sprinkler head 201, coupled to piping 205. Piping 205 is typically standard domestic gauge piping to ensure compatibility with existing domestic plumbing system 220. This allows the sprinkler system to be easily retrofit to existing apartment blocks and homes.

Figure 2a is a schematic representation of a typical sprinkler system installation. The sprinkler head 201 is mounted to a ceiling 230 with a mounting plate 202. The piping 205 is connected to domestic plumbing system 220 with connector 210, which may be a T-shaped connector. The piping 205 is mounted to the ceiling 230 by support mounts 206.

Sprinkler system 200 may be configured to automatically activate at a certain localised temperature, and/or by receipt of a signal from the central control unit 123. Sprinkler system 200 may include a communication module, such as a wireless receiver 203, for receiving an activation signal from the central control unit 123. It may be appreciated that a processor, memory and other means to receive, transmit and undertake signals and instructions to and/or from the communal alarms and/or the central control unit may be integrated within the sprinkler system.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein.

Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

For the sake of completeness it is also stated that the term comprising does not exclude other elements or steps, the term a or an does not exclude a plurality, and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An alarm system for protecting a series of housing units, said system comprising:

a unit alarm located within each housing unit, each unit alarm configured to activate to supply a unit alarm signal on detection of fire and/or smoke within its housing unit;

a central control unit communicatively coupled to each unit alarm;

wherein the central control unit is configured to shut-off a supply of gas to the housing units upon receipt of a unit alarm signal from one or more of said unit alarms.

2. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a series of communal alarms for detecting fire and/or smoke within communal areas, wherein:

each communal alarm is communicatively coupled to each unit alarm; and each communal alarm is communicatively coupled to the central control unit.

3. An alarm system as claimed in claim 2, wherein:

each communal alarm is configured to, upon detecting the presence of fire and/or smoke, activate to transmit a communal alarm signal to the central control unit, said communal alarm signal being treated by the central control unit as a unit alarm signal.

4. An alarm system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the central control unit comprises a user interface configured to display relevant information, such as location of a triggered alarm.

5.

An alarm system as claimed in claim 3, wherein:

the central control unit is further configured to, on input from an authorised user, transmit a command to each unit alarm; and each unit alarm is configured to transmit the unit alarm signal on receipt of the command from the central control unit.

6. An alarm system as claimed in claim 2, wherein each communal alarm is configured to transmit further transmit the communal alarm signal to each unit alarm on detection of fire and/or smoke, and each unit alarm is configured to, upon receipt of the communal alarm signal from said communal alarms, sound an alert to an occupant or the housing unit.

7. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the central control unit is configured to shut-off the supply of gas only upon receipt of two or more signals.

8. An alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the central control unit is configured to shut-off the supply of gas by closing a solenoid valve in the supply line.

9. A method of response to a potential fire in at least one area of a series of housing units, comprising the steps of:

detecting the presence of smoke and/or fire;

10. A sprinkler system for use in a housing unit, comprising:

a sprinkler head;

domestic gauge piping; and a connector configured to connect with existing domestic plumbing; wherein the sprinkler head and connector are connectable to each end of the domestic gauge piping.

11. A sprinkler system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the connector is a Tshaped connector.

12. A sprinkler system as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the sprinkler system is configured to activate upon receipt of a signal from the alarm system of any one of claims 1 to 8.

13. A kit of parts suitable for assembling the sprinkler system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. A method of assembling a sprinkler system for use in a housing unit, comprising the steps of:

disconnecting a connector between two sections of piping;

coupling the additional section of piping to the replacement connector;

15. A fire protection system for a series of housing units, said system comprising:

an alarm system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8; and a sprinkler system as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12;

wherein the central control unit is further configured to activate the sprinkler system in locations where an alarm has detected fire and/or smoke, and/or in locations specified by an authorised user.

Intellectual Property Office